B's want to extend their modest two-game winning streak

BOSTON, MA -- By the sounds of it, there's little chance that the second place Bruins (44-28-3, 91 points) will look past tonight's match-up with the eleventh place Tampa Bay Lightning (35-33-7, 77 points) to Thursday's contest against the third place Florida Panthers (36-24-15, 87 points).

"I think they still have a chance," said Tyler Seguin of the Bolts' playoff standing when asked about tonight's contest (at TD Garden, NESN, NBCSN, 98.5 The Sports Hub, 7:30 p.m.) presenting a bit of a trap game for Boston.

"Obviously, the last time we played them we didn’t do too well," added Seguin in a serious tone. "So, we want to go out and redeem ourselves."

Overall redemption has been coming in slow bursts for the B's, who have struggled at times since the calendar turned to 2012.

But recently the Bruins have found a bit of a stride and have won four of five, including back-to-back wins against the Western Conference's Los Angles Kings and Anaheim Ducks.

"I think a big thing for us is our starts, right now," said Seguin. "Better second periods and I think that’s why the third period, we’ve been not having to [play] catch-up hockey all the time.

"If we can continue doing that through the rest of the games here and the end of the season, things can work out well."

Things have been working out well for Rich Peverley lately, too. The forward returned from injury versus the Ducks and played well in every situation. But the forward remembers the circumstances of the B's two losses to Tampa Bay earlier this season.

"These guys they beat us in Tampa twice," said Peverley. "You want to even the series, especially when they won their two home games."

But it won't be easy.

"I feel it’s a tale of two teams to be honest," said Peverley of the Lightning (4-5-1 in their last 10) and the Bruins (5-5-0), who have both played competitive hockey of late. "When I was watching and [how] we’ve played as late, I think we’ve done a real good job of managing the game and I think it’s confidence.

"If we can keep building our confidence towards the end of the season it’s going to help."

As for the B's own individual efforts, Seguin said his focus remains on upping his game as the playoffs come nearer on the horizon.

"Obviously, I have a bigger role than I did last year, playing in every game and hopefully contributing a bit more," said Seguin. "Just trying to finish strong in my D zone, the end of the season here, and stay as consistent as I can."